Electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) are invisible areas of energy that are associated with the use of electrical power and multiple forms of natural and man-made lighting. EMFs are also called radiation.
There are two categories of EMF based on their frequency: non-ionizing and ionizing. Non-ionizing EMF is low-level radiation that is generally harmless to humans. Ionizing EMF is high-level radiation that can potentially cause cellular and DNA damage.
There are various things that emit EMF. Though there are low levels of EMF that are not harmful, there are many high levels of EMF that can be harmful to our health.
What Emits EMF?
The sources of EMFs include power lines, electrical wiring, and electrical appliances. Many of these sources can be found in everyday household items.
The most common sources of EMF radiation are wireless telecommunication devices and equipment. These would include cell phones, smart meters, tablets, and laptop computers.
Top 10 Household Sources of EMF
-
Cellphones
-
Television
-
Microwave Ovens
-
Computers
-
Wireless Routers (Wi-Fi)
-
Hair Dryers
-
Dimmer Switches
-
Plumbing
-
Radiant Electrical Heating
-
Low Consumption Light Bulbs
Photo by Lisa Fotios.
1. Cellphones
Cell phones are one of the major sources of EMF radiation. This is because most people have a cellphone very close to their bodies nearly the entire day, every day.
There is an increasing number of studies that link cellphone use to brain tumors. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies cell phones as possibly carcinogenic to humans.
Cellphone EMF is a type of non-ionizing radiation. The negative health effects that result from cellphone EMF include an increase in oxidative stress, risk of infertility, cancer, tumors, and genetic damage.
How to protect yourself:
-
Avoid sleeping with your phone
-
Keep your cell phone as far away from your body as possible
-
Use a speaker or headset for phone calls
-
Text more, talk less
-
Only make phone calls when the signal is strong
-
Limit children’s cell phone use
-
Skip the radiation shield
Photo by cottonbro.
2. Television
Smart TVs and TVs that are capable of connecting to the internet produce more EMF radiation than regular TVs. This is because they have Wi-Fi and other communication technologies that are running non-stop.
Since smart TVs have been growing in popularity, these TVs can be found in most homes.
The negative health effects that result from television EMF include headaches, anxiety, depression, nausea, fatigue, and loss of libido.
How to protect yourself:
-
Avoid purchasing TVs with Wi-Fi functionality
-
Limit how often you use your TV
-
Put as much distance between yourself and your TV
Photo by cottonbro.
3. Microwave Ovens
Microwave ovens emit massive amounts and powerful levels of EMF radiation. About 95% of American households have a microwave oven. Microwave ovens are found in most homes because they are convenient and popular.
Microwave ovens work by emitting microwave EMF radiation. However, microwave ovens leak this radiation because they are legally allowed to. The seal on microwave ovens deteriorates over time. This means that the radiation leakage will begin to increase.
The negative health effects that result from microwave EMF include the heating of body tissue, painful burns, and RF heating in the eyes and testes.
How to protect yourself:
-
Use your stove or toaster instead
-
Have your microwave oven serviced annually
-
Stay far away from the microwave oven when it’s on
Photo by Marek Levak.
4. Computers
Computers emit large amounts of EMF radiation because of your length of exposure to them.
One of the worst ways you can use your computer is by resting it on your lap as you work. This is worse than your cellphone having contact with your body for a long period of time because computers cover more surface area.
The negative health effects that result from computer EMF include fertility issues, DNA fragmentation, skin burns, and damage to healthy cells.
How to protect yourself:
-
Don’t rest your computer on your lap
-
Purchase a computer pad to block EMF radiation
-
Turn off your computer when you’re not using it
Photo by Aditya Singh.
5. Wireless Routers (Wi-Fi)
Any device that generates a Wi-Fi network produces massive amounts of EMF radiation. Most households have at least a few of these devices. Active wireless devices run non-stop 24/7.
The negative health effects that result from wireless router EMF include neurodevelopmental effects, cancer, and reproductive issues.
How to protect yourself:
-
Turn off your Wi-Fi routers when you’re not using them
-
Avoid keeping routers in the bedroom
-
Consider getting a low radiation Wi-Fi router
6. Hair Dryers
A single hair dryer emits large amounts of EMF radiation. A hairdryer works on components and principles that create tons of radiation. When a hair dryer is used, you are exposed to radiation.
The negative health effects that result from hair dryer EMF include loss of appetite, loss of focus, difficulty sleeping, sudden weight loss, migraines, and poor memory retention.
How to protect yourself:
-
Choose a hairdryer that emits low EMF
-
Towel dry or air dry your hair
-
Do not use a hair dryer for more than three times a week
-
Do not blow dry hair for more than five minutes at a time
-
Use a hair dryer at its lowest heat setting
7. Dimmer Switches
Dimmer switches are an EMF hotspot. This is because when you dim a light with a dimmer switch, the part of the electrical current that isn’t being used is transmitted as EMF radiation.
As a result, dimmer switches may be constantly emitting unnecessary amounts of EMF radiation.
Prolonged exposure to dimmer switch EMF can be hazardous.
How to protect yourself:
-
Avoid installing dimmer switches
-
Switch dimmer switches to regular on/off switches
8. Plumbing
Plumbing in most homes is built with metal water pipes that lie underground. This is when plumbing can emit EMF radiation. The metal pipes can conduct the electricity given off by a source of EMF.
The negative health effects that result from plumbing EMF include headaches, fatigue, digestive disorders, sleep disturbance, muscle tightness, and memory disorders.
How to protect yourself:
-
Ensure power lines around your home aren’t poorly grounded
9. Radiant Electrical Heating
Radiant electrical heating is a major source of EMF radiation. Electrical heating mats have an electrical current that powers the heating process. This process emits EMF radiation.
Radiant electrical heating mats are typically installed underneath your bathroom or kitchen floor.
Radiant electrical heating EMF has been liked to cancer.
How to protect yourself:
-
Avoid installing radiant electrical heating
-
Turn off electrical heating mats
10. Low Consumption Light Bulbs
Many light bulbs generate dirty electricity. Dirty electricity occurs when the normal flow of alternating electrical current is disrupted. This causes electrical surges and irregular spikes along the wires.
When dirty electricity intensifies to higher frequencies, it spread to wider areas which pose a greater danger.
The negative health effects that result from low consumption light bulb EMF include cancer, childhood leukemia, hormonal and cellular changes, and sperm damage.
How to protect yourself:
-
Choose double encapsulated compact fluorescent light bulbs
-
Dispose of compact fluorescent light bulbs carefully
-
Choose LED light bulbs
-
Turn off lights when you’re not using them
-
keep lightbulbs away from beds, chairs, and nightstands
BeachCandy Mission
We strive to become the change. In order to do so, we are taking the season to completely rebrand BeachCandy into a clean, eco-friendly, and natural brand.
The fashion industry is responsible for a lot of the pollution on the planet. We believe that we can make a difference by using all-natural fibers and organic materials to create our products. This will allow our products to easily break down and return to the soil at the end of their lifetime.
We have started this journey in India to learn about natural fibers and ethical forms of production and design. Join us on our mission for a cleaner planet.
Before we can complete our journey we must rid ourselves of all our previous designs and patterns. Shop the BC Sale-on-Sale to take part in the biggest sale in the history of BeachCandy.
Also read our most recent blog: Common Toxic Causes of Breast Cancer
Written by Emma Suarez.
Follow BeachCandy Swimwear On Instagram
This blog provides general information and discussions about wellness and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This blog does not constitute the practice of any medical, nursing or other professional health care advice, diagnosis or treatment. We cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this blog or website.
Suggestions of changes to diet or exercise may not be suitable for everyone. Please consult with your doctor before attempting any changes to decide whether or not such changes would be right for you.
If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment immediately. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that you have read on this blog, website or in any linked materials.